Mourning a Misfortune: Strategies for Daughters to Overcome the Demise of Their Mother
Losing a mother is a profound and life-altering experience, and it's normal to feel overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions. This article aims to provide insight into the common psychological effects women may experience in the aftermath of such loss, as well as offer guidance on coping strategies and seeking help.
The American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator can be a valuable resource for finding mental health professionals specializing in grief recovery. If extreme grief lasts for more than a year or interferes with daily tasks, speaking with a mental health professional may be helpful.
In the first years after losing a mother, women may experience intense grief, depression characterized by a persistent low or numb emotional state, feelings of emptiness, and high emotional strain that can lead to functional impairment or social withdrawal. There is also an elevated risk of severe health problems such as heart disease and an increased risk of suicide due to prolonged stress and trauma associated with the loss.
It's important to remember that everyone's experience with grief is unique, and there's no right or wrong way to grieve. Some women may find comfort in keeping up with traditions from their mother, such as making recipes she used to cook or using the same fragrances she used in her home. Honoring a mother's memory can take many forms, such as donating to a favourite charity or achieving a personal goal.
Daughters who lose their mother may experience grief differently than sons, potentially leading to feelings of loss and disconnection. Women who experience the loss of a mother are more likely than men to binge drink, have a greater decline in self-esteem, and have a lower level of personal mastery (personal growth).
Mindfulness is a technique that can help focus on the moment and avoid dwelling on painful memories related to the loss of a mother. Local support groups, online chat forums, and mental health professionals can offer assistance during the grieving process.
If immediate help is needed due to overwhelming grief or thoughts of self-harm or suicide, resources such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and Befrienders Worldwide are available. Offering support to others who have experienced parental loss can become an important part of someone's journey with grief.
A 2015 study found that, when losing a parent, women have a more intense grief response and more difficulty adjusting to the loss. Parental loss is linked with depression and a compromised sense of self in young adults, according to a 2021 study. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) notes an array of normal emotions in the year following parental loss, such as regret, remorse, anxiety, guilt, emptiness, rage, anger, sadness, and numbness.
Maternal figures can be found in various relationships, offering guidance and understanding. Keeping up with traditions from your mother, such as making recipes she used to cook or using the same fragrances she used in her home, may help ease the burden of loss.
In conclusion, navigating grief after losing a mother can be challenging, but there are resources available to help. Seeking support from mental health professionals, local support groups, and online communities can provide comfort and guidance during this difficult time.
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